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Four Suspects Convicted of September 2016 Bank Robbery Sentenced

News

August 10th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

Officials with the FBI report four suspects who were convicted of a September 10, 2016 robbery of a U.S. Bank location in the Omaha area were sentenced Tuesday, for their roles in carrying out the robbery. 23-year old Marcus Warren, 22-year old Steven Muldrew, 25-year old Shaun Murph Jr., and 24-year old Freddie Johnson IV were arrested on September 10, 2016 after being pursued by the FBI and the Omaha Police Department (OPD) shortly after the robbery occurred.

Sentencing was carried out by the Douglas County, NE., District Court on August 8th 2017. Warren, Muldrew, and Murph received a sentence of 20—25 years while Johnson was sentenced to 14—18 years. In addition to this robbery, each of these suspects have been connected to other local Omaha bank robberies.

The Omaha Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in conjunction with FBI Greater Omaha Bank Robbery Task Force (GOBRTF) members at the Omaha Police Department Gang Unit and other task force members were instrumental in the successful apprehension of these suspects. Special Agent in Charge Randall Thysse of the FBI Omaha Division said in a press release, “This is a perfect example of what this partnership represents. We are grateful for the level of collaboration and integration we have from OPD and all of our bank robbery task force members, because clearly, this is working.”

The FBI Greater Omaha Bank Robbery Task Force is comprised of federal, state, and local law enforcement partners including the Omaha Police Department, Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office, The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, Bellevue Police Department, Papillion Department, Nebraska State Patrol, Ralston Police Department, Council Bluffs Police Department, and La Vista Police Department.

Ex-Fremont County landfill manager gets probation for theft

News

August 10th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

SIDNEY, Iowa (AP) – A former manager of the Fremont County landfill in southwest Iowa has been given probation after pleading guilty in a deal with prosecutors. Court records say 32-year-old Dusty VanRenan pleaded guilty Monday to theft after prosecutors dismissed a charge of ongoing criminal conduct. He was sentenced to two years of probation and given a deferred judgment. Under a deferred judgment, records of his convictions in the case will be expunged if he completes the terms of his probation. A $750 civil penalty against him was suspended.

A state auditor’s investigation says VanRenan used a country truck to haul pallets he sold for recycling in Council Bluffs. The auditors say the nearly $5,500 paid for the pallets wasn’t turned over to the county account.

(Podcast) KJAN 8-a.m. News, 8/10/2017

News, Podcasts

August 10th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

More area and State news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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Atlantic School Board news

News

August 10th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education, Wednesday evening, received updates from Technology Director Roger Warne, and updates with regard to the CCEOC building, as well as bus inspections. In his report, Roger Warne said Mariah Mailander is doing a great job as the new Tech Integrationist. He called her a “Diamond in the rough,” and that she’s learning the new position, and he hopes to keep her around for a long time. The Board had approved her contract during their last meeting in July.

Warne also talked about the One-to-One laptop rollover program for District staff and students, which is in its fourth year. He said all the staff machines being pulled-in will be refurbished as best as possible. Once they are not serviceable, they will be used for other purposes until the die. The central office staff computers will be replaced within the next couple of weeks. The 1-to-1 laptops for Freshmen will be ready today (Thursday) and be available for students by next Thursday’s Freshman orientation. Next year, the laptop’s at the High School will be rolled over.

At that time, a decision will have to be made about which laptops should be purchased new for the future. Superintendent Steve Barber spoke during Wednesday’s meeting about the former Cass, Incorporated building, which was purchased by the District and is being converted into the Cass County Educational Opportunity Center (CCEOC). He said while efforts continue on finishing work, “It’s pretty evident that it’s not going to be done by [the start of school] August 23rd.” Barber said they’re hopeful that after next week’s inspection by the Fire Marshal, he will grant the building occupancy in the non-construction areas.)

The CCEOC staff and students would occupy those areas, while the Link Center staff and students would occupy the multi-purpose room at the High School until the Cass, Inc. building is ready. And, as for the Bus inspection, Mr. Barber said the District’s bus fleet is in good shape, overall. There was one bus with minor issues, but it was previously taken out of service for 30-days until electrical repairs could be completed.

Barber thanked Transportation Director Dave Eckles for “Keeping the fleet afloat,” so to speak. In other business, the Atlantic School Board voted to set  “Standards and Accountability,” “School Funding Policy,” and “SAVE (Secure and Advance Vision for Education)” as their top three IASB Legislative Priorities.

Heartbeat Today 8-10-2017

Heartbeat Today, Podcasts

August 10th, 2017 by Jim Field

Jim Field visits with Matt Mullenix who is helping to coordinate this year’s Tournament of Champions at the Atlantic Golf & Country Club.

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November trial for man charged in northwest Iowa stabbing

News

August 10th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa (AP) – A November trial has been scheduled for a northwest Iowa man accused of stabbing a man and punching a woman. Court records say 29-year-old Nicholas Thompson pleaded not guilty Tuesday to attempted murder and related charges. His trial is set to begin Nov. 7.

The records say Thompson repeatedly stabbed the man June 22 at a home in Spirit Lake and punched the woman during the same incident.

(Podcast) KJAN Morning Sports report, 8/10/2017

Podcasts, Sports

August 10th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

The 7:20-a.m. Sportscast w/Jim Field.

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Creston Police report: Lenox woman arrested on drug charge

News

August 10th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

Police in Creston report a woman was arrested late Wednesday on a Union County warrant for a Controlled Substance Violation. 28-year old Trisha Mitchell, of Lenox, was transported to the Ringgold County Jail following her arrest at around 8:40-p.m. Mitchell was being held in the jail while awaiting a bond hearing.

And, at around 11-p.m. Wednesday, Creston Police arrested 49-year old Jack Howard Davis, of Orient, for Driving While Revoked. Davis was released from the Union County Jail on a $1000 bond.

(Podcast) KJAN Morning News & funeral report, 8/10/2017

News, Podcasts

August 10th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

The area’s top news at 7:06-a.m., w/KJAN News Director Ric Hanson

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Woman accused of stealing from northwest Iowa trucking firm

News

August 10th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

CALUMET, Iowa (AP) – A northwest Iowa woman has been accused of stealing more than $24,000 while working at a trucking company. Court records say 32-year-old Jamie Riedemann, of Calumet, is charged with tampering with records, four counts of theft and three counts of unauthorized use of a credit card.

Prosecutors say Riedemann turned in fraudulent time cards and used company credit cards for personal purchases while working as business office manager for Calumet Carriers between January 2014 and August 2016.